Petruzzi stated that GS-42, Green Seal''s Environmental Standard for Cleaning Services, is a certification program providing building service contractors (BSCs) and in-house service providers (ISPs) with objective and meaningful guidance to help them develop a green cleaning program.

He noted that usually, the trepidation cleaning managers experience is simply a case of not understanding the process, what the auditor is looking for and what his or her role really encompasses.

Petruzzi added that the Green Seal certification process is best described as a partnership; instead of a punitive approach or a rubber-stamped "re-submit" when documentation isn''t quite up to par, the auditor works with the applicant to smooth out any bumps.

According to Petruzzi, GS-42 certification helps create a stronger, more disciplined organization; proper documentation is the first step in building that organization.

Mark T. Petruzzi is the vice president of certification and strategic relations for Green Seal Inc.